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Sun 20th Oct | 2013

Consumer Alerts in the News – Recalls

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Over 800,000 Toyotas recalled for air conditioner leak

Toyota is recalling 803,000 vehicles in the United States because a problem with an air conditioner part could cause airbags to deploy unnecessarily. According to CNN Money, the problem was sometimes caused by spiders. Water from the air conditioning condenser unit can leak onto the airbag control module, sometimes because of a blockage caused by spider webs, causing a short circuit that could cause the driver’s side airbag to deploy in some cases. There could also be a loss of power steering force. The recalled vehicles are the 2012—2013 Toyota Camry, Avalon, and Venza models, including the Hybrid models.

To fix the problem, Toyota dealers will make fixes to block water from dripping onto the airbag module. Owners will be notified by mail to take their vehicle to a Toyota dealer.

Schneider Electric Recalls 15 Million APC Surge Protectors

This recall involves APC 7 and 8 series SurgeArrest surge protectors manufactured between 1993-2002. There have been over 700 reports of the surge protectors overheating and melting and 55 reports of property damage from smoke and fire, including $916,000 in fire damage to a home and $750,000 in fire damage to a medical facility. There are 13 reports of injuries, including smoke inhalation and contact burns from touching the overheated surge protectors. To determine if your surge protector is included in the recall, check the first sequence of numbers in the product’s serial number. If the sequence begins with 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99, 00, 01 or 02, please contact Schneider Electric for a free replacement. For a complete list of recalled products, please click here.

Toys R’ Us Recalls Journey Girl Travel Trunks Due to Laceration Hazard

This recall involves the Journey Girl Travel Trunks used to carry 18-inch-tall toy dolls. Travel trunks included in the recall have UPC # 48970277965070 and model number 5F5F79E. There have been six incidents involving the trunk’s handle, including one report of a one report of a consumer who received stitches as a result of a laceration. Consumers should return the trunks to Toys R’ Us for a full refund.

Toyota Recalls Over 600,000 Siennas Because of Rollaway Crash Risk

Toyota is recalling some of the following Sienna models: 2004-2005 vehicles manufactured January 10, 2003, through August 10, 2005; and model year 2007-2009 Sienna vehicles manufactured February 20, 2007, through December 12, 2008. Because of a problem within the shift lock solenoid, there is a chance the shift lever could be moved out of Park position without depressing the brake pedal. This increases the risk the vehicle could accidentally enter neutral or a drive gear, which could lead to a backover or roll-away crash. Toyota will notify affected owners beginning in late October 2013, and again when the replacement parts are available. Sienna owners cam also contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331.

Door Latch in 2009-13 Mazda6 Could Become Loose While Vehicle is in Motion

Mazda is recalling over 160,000 2009-2013 Mazda6 vehicles manufactured February 4, 2008, through August 24, 2012, because the door latch mounting screws may become loose. It is possible that the door latch mechanism would not engage and the door could open while the vehicle is in motion. The recall is expected to begin by October 18, 2013, and owners can also contact Mazda at 1-800-222-5500. Mazda’s recall number is 7013I.

Nissan Recalls Nearly 100,000 Infinitis Due to Stall Risk

Nissan is recalling the 2006-2010 Infiniti M35 and M45 vehicles manufactured April 4, 2004, through October 5, 2010. Over time, the accelerator pedal sensor signal may deteriorate, causing the engine to go into fail-safe (limp home) mode. It is possible that the car could stall when the vehicle is coming to a stop or idle while in fail-safe mode. Nissan is expected to begin the recall in early November 2013, but owners can call Nissan at 1-800-647-7261.

Nearly 400,000 Honda Vehicles Recalled Over Airbag System Glitch

Honda has recalled 318,000 2003 and 2004 Odyssey minivans and 63,400 2003 Acura MDX sport-utility vehicles due to an airbag defect. Honda reports an increasing number of complaints of unnecessary airbag deployment in these vehicles, which use an SRS control unit that includes computer chips similar to those used in airbag systems in other manufacturers’ vehicles that were recalled within the last year. However, no accidents have been reported due to the defect. An electrical noise filter needs to be installed to prevent the problem.

To find out if your vehicle is among the recalled units, go to recalls.honda.com or recalls.acura.com. Honda owners can also call 800-999-1009 and Acura owners can call  800-382-2238, and select option 4.

Sensor Mat Flaw Could Lead to Incorrect Airbag Deployment in Nearly 200,000 Suzuki Vehicles

Suzuki is recalling certain 2006-2011 Grand Vitara and 2007—2011 SX4 vehicles. Over time, the OCS sensor mat installed in the front passenger seat may fail, because of repeated flexing of the mat from use of the seat. If this happens, the airbag will deploy regardless of whether the front seat occupant is an adult or a child, should the airbag be released in the event of a crash.

Suzuki will replace the front passenger seat cushion assembly to correct the problem. However, there are not enough parts to currently fix all of the recalled vehicles. Owners will be notified of the recall in October 2013, then receive a second notification when parts are available for their vehicle. If you believe your vehicle is affected, you can call Suzuki at 1-800-934-0934. Suzuki’s recall campaign identification is VD. Vehicles which already had an OCS sensor mat installed under a previous campaign by Suzuki are not affected by this recall.

12 Brands of Dehumidifiers Recalled After More Than $2 Million in Property Damage Reported

Gree is recalling 2.2 million dehumidifiers, which have been reported to overheat and catch fire. 165 incidents involving the recalled units have been reported, including 46 fires which resulted in $2.15 million in property damage. The dehumidifiers were sold under the following brand names: Danby, De’Longhi, Fedders, Fellini, Frigidaire, Gree, Kenmore, Norpole, Premiere, Seabreeze, SoleusAir, and SuperClima in the following sizes: 20, 25, 30, 40, 45, 50, 65 and 70-pints. Consumers should contact Gree at  866-853-2802 or at greeusa.com in order to receive a full refund. For a full list of affected models, please click here.

Toyota Recalls Nearly 800,000 RAV4s and Lexus Models

The rear suspension arm of the 2006-2011 RAV4s and 2010 Lexus HS250h passenger automobiles, manufactured from October 2005 through September 2010, may develop unwanted movement and rust, as well as an abrupt change in the car’s alignment. This could lead to thread damage and eventual failure if the nuts for adjusting the rear wheel alignment are improperly tightened during service.

Toyota dealers will inspect the tie rods and replace any that have rust or corrosion on the alignment adjustment thread, and then encase them in an epoxy to prevent future environmental damage. Due to limitations in parts, the recall will be launched in phases from September 2013 through February 2014. This recall supersedes Toyota and Lexus recall 12V-373, and all vehicles that have been inspected under that recall must be reexamined. Owners can also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to safercar.gov/

Toyota Recalls Over 100,000 Hybrid Vehicles Because of Overheating Problem

Because of an overheating issue with certain hybrid vehicles’ Intelligent Power Module (IPM), Toyota is recalling the following models: 2006—2010 Highlander hybrids manufactured between February 16, 2005, through July 29, 2010; and 2006-2008 Lexus RX400h vehicles made between February 23, 2005, and December 2, 2008.

The IPM inside the inverter module may contain transistors that have higher operating temperatures than the solder can support. These transistors can overheat, causing the vehicle to either enter a fail-safe/limp-home mode, limiting the drivability of the vehicle or shut down completely as the vehicle is being driven. The recall is expected to begin in late September 2013. Owners may contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331. Vehicles that had their IPM replaced under recall 11V-342 are not affected by this campaign.

Over 100,000 Lexus Vehicles Recalled Because of Loose Bolt

Toyota has recalled the following Lexus models: 2007—2011 Lexus GS350s manufactured from June 19, 2006, through July 12, 2011; and 2006-2011 Lexus IS350s made between May 27, 2005, and July 13, 2011; and model year 2010-2011 Lexus IS350c vehicles manufactured November 25, 2009, through July 19, 2011.

The recalled vehicles are equipped with the 2GR-FSE engine, which use bolts to secure the housing and sprocket of the Variable-Valve Timing assembly. These bolts could become loose immediately after a cold start-up, which could cause the engine to fail while the vehicle is being driven. Lexus dealers will replace the VVT unit free of charge, although a notification schedule has not been released to date. Owners should contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331

Seatbelt Failure Leads to Recall of Over 300,000 Toyota Tacomas

Approximately 342,451 Toyota Tacomas manufactured between 2005 and 2010 are being recalled because of a compromise with the security of the seat belts. Over time, wear and tear can cause the screws that attach the pre-tensioner to the seat belt retractor to loosen if the access doors are repeatedly and forcefully closed. If this happens, it is possible that the pre-tensioner and the retractor spring cover could detach from the seat belt retractor entirely, causing great risk to the vehicle’s occupants.

Tacoma Access Cab vehicles manufactured between September 14, 2004, and March 29, 2010; and 2011 Tacomas manufactured from July 1, 2010, through September 7, 2011 are included in this recall. A recall date has not been set but owners can contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331.

Blankets Sold at Babies R Us Recalled Due to Choking Hazard

About 27,000 HALO SleepSack wearable blankets are being recalled because they pose a choking risk to infants. The recalled blankets, which are sold exclusively at Babies R Us, have a pink satin rose embellishment on the front, which can detach. There has been one report of an infant found gagging on a detached petal. SleepSack blankets with the GPU numbers 2701, 2781, 2886, 2887, 3007, 3035, and 3142 are included in the recall. Consumers should immediately stop using the wearable blankets and contact HALO Innovations at  866-819-8118 or halorecall@nrmsinc.com to order a replacement product.

Ford Recalls 355,000 Vehicles Due to Possible Steering Shaft Corrosion

A risk of corrosion to the steering shaft is leading Ford to recalling 355,000 vehicles in the United States. If the lower bearing separates, the vehicle may experience a loss of steering. The recalled vehicles include the Ford Crown Victoria, Mercury Grand Marquis, and Lincoln Town Cars made between 2005 and 2011. Dealers may replace the lower intermediate steering shaft and if necessary resecure a lower steering column bearing and replace the upper intermediate steering shaft. The recalled vehicles were originally sold in or currently registered in the following states: Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, Wisconsin, and West Virginia. Customers in other states can also have their vehicles inspected. The recall is expected to begin October 21, 2013. Owners may contact Ford at 1-866-436-7332. Ford’s recall number is 13S08.

General Motors Recalling Nearly 300,000 2011-2012 Chevrolet Cruzes

GM has recalled Chevrolet Cruze vehicles equipped with 1.4L DOHC gasoline turbo engines and 6T40 front wheel drive automatic transmissions and equipped with an electric vacuum pump. The pumps, which are used to provide supplemental vacuum for brake assist, may not activate in the recalled vehicles. This could result in an intermittent reduction or loss of brake assist, which would add the amount of pedal force or distance needed to bring the vehicle to a stop. Owners may contact Chevrolet at 1-800-222-1020. GM’s recall number is 12213.

Michelin Recalling Nearly 100,000 Tires

Michelin Tire is recalling some of the following tire sizes: Latitude Tour P255/70 R18, P255/60 R19 108 S, X Radial LT2 P265/65 R18 112 T, P275/55 R20 111 T, LTX M/S2 RBL P275/55 R20 111 T, LTX M/S2 ORWL P265/60 R18 109 T, and LTX M/S2 tires P265/65 R18 112 T.

Due to a perforation in the sidewall, the tires may lose pressure while driving, increasing the risk of a crash. To find out if your tires are among the recalled tires, please make sure you have your tires’ DOT number and click here for complete recall information, or call Michelin Consumer Care at 1-855-851-4951. Please reference NHTSA campaign 13T00600.

Sears Reannounces Recall of Kenmore Dehumidifiers Due to Additional Reports of Fires

This recall involves 795,000 Kenmore 35-, 50- and 70-pint dehumidifiers, which were made by LG between 2003 and 2005, and sold at Sears and K-Mart. The dehumidifiers, which were first recalled in August 2012, can overheat, smoke, melt and catch on fire posing fire and burn hazards to consumers.

Sears is reannouncing this recall because of a low response rate to the first recall, and because of seven additional reports of fires involving the recalled units. Three of the reported fires resulted in over $300,000 worth of property damage, and in one incident a consumer’s foot was severely burned.

Consumers who contact LG at  855-400-4641 will receive a gift card or a check for $75, $80, $90 or $100, depending on the capacity and year of the dehumidifier. For model numbers of the recalled units, please click here.

Chrysler Recalling Over 200,000 Vans Due to Airbag Software Error

Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2013 Town & Country, Dodge Grand Caravan, and RAM C/V Tradesman vehicles manufactured from May 10, 2012, through June 7, 2013. A software error could result in the wrong side airbags deploying during a crash. In the affected vehicles, a left side impact would deploy the right side airbags or vice versa.

Owners should contact Chrysler at 1-800-247-9753. Chrysler’s recall campaign number is N44.

Ford Issues Recall of Some 2013 Vehicles for Child Safety Locks Flaw

Ford is recalling certain model year 2013 Ford Explorer, Taurus and Lincoln MKS vehicles manufactured November 29, 2012, through December 12, 2012. The child safety locks may deactivate without notice, leading to an increased risk of injury to an unrestrained child.

For complete recall information, please call Ford at 1-866-436-7332 or click here.

Toyota Recalls Hybrid Vehicles Due to Faulty Brakes

Toyota Motor Corp. is recalling about 242,000 of its Prius and Lexus hybrid vehicles due to problems with their braking systems. The recall applies to about 233,000 Prius vehicles made between March and October 2009 and about 9,000 Lexus HS250h models made between June and October 2009. The issue involves a brake pressure accumulator that may develop a fatigue crack on an internal part due to vibration. Owners of vehicles subject to this recall will receive a notification by first-class mail.

Chrysler Refuses Government’s Request to Recall 2.7 million SUVs

For the 1st time since 1996, an automaker challenged the National Highway Traffic Safety’s Administration’s request for a vehicle recall. Earlier this month the NHTSA asked Chrysler to voluntarily recall Jeep Grand Cherokees manufactured from 1993—2007, as well as 2002—2007 Jeep Liberty. The affected SUVs are vulnerable to rear impact fires, because of the location and design of their fuel tank.

Chrysler disputed the NHTSA’s findings, which attributed 37 fatal accidents and a total of 51 deaths to this defect. The manufacturer stated that the vehicles are not defective and that the design of the tanks, which are located behind the rear axle, is a commonly accepted design by other manufacturers. However, hours before a government deadline, Chrysler did agree to recall the affected Jeeps, saying the issue had “raised concerns for its customers” and that it will visually inspect the vehicles and “if necessary, provide an upgrade to the rear structure of the vehicle.”

Lea Industries Recalls Nearly 65,000 Children’s Beds

Lea Industries is voluntarily recalling 34 different children’s bed collections, including loft, bunk, and panel styles in twin, full, and queen sizes. The bed’s side mattress support rails can break, posing a fall hazard. The recalled beds were made between August 2008 and March 2013, and sold under a variety of names.

22 incidents have been reported involving the recalled beds, including a 2009 incident in Madison, Wisconsin, where a 6-year old girl suffered a head injury after the top bunk fell on her. They have been sold online at Amazon.com and at Direct Buy stores, as well as other furniture stores.

Symbios Medical Products Issues Nationwide Recall of GOPump and GOBlock Kits

Symbios Medical Products has voluntarily recalled all GoPump Rapid Recovery System kits and GOBlock Kits manufactured with flow control components assembled prior to July 2012. These products have been found to potentially cause excessively high flow rates, which presents a risk of patient toxicity, serious injury, and possibly death.

Over 350,000 Optimus Portable Electric Heaters Recalled Due to Fire Hazard

Two models of Optimus Infrared Quartz Radiant heaters, with model numbers H-5210, produced in 2011 and H-5211, have been recalled by the company. The heater design can fail to prevent ignition of nearby combustible materials that come in contact with the unit.

Nearly 300,000 Jeeps Recalled By Chrysler

Chrysler is recalling certain 2005—2010 Jeep Grand Cherokees made between February 11, 2004, through March 9, 2010; and 2006—2010 Jeep Commanders manufactured January 31, 2005, through March 10, 2010. A transfer case electrical failure may result in an unintentional shifting of the transfer case into the neutral position. Owners can contact Chrysler at 1-800-247-9753 or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236, or click here for more information

Electrical System Failure Leads to GM Recall of Hybrid Vehicles

General Motors is recalling 2012 and 2013 Buick LaCrosse and Regal vehicles as well as 2013 Chevrolet Malibu Eco vehicles equipped with eAssist. These cars may have a condition in which the Generator Control Module (GCM) may not function properly. This could cause a gradual loss of battery. This condition could cause the engine to stall or not start properly when driven. In addition, there may be a burning or melting odor, smoke, and possibly a fire in the trunk. Call GM at 1-800-521-7300

Spin-A-Mals Farm and Safari Puzzles Pulled Due to Choking Hazard

The recalled puzzles are Ryan’s Room brand Spin-A-Mals Farm and Spin-A-Mals Safari wooden puzzles intended for children over 12 months of age. The puzzles consist of a painted, rectangular board with pegs mounted to it and removable gear and animal-shaped pieces.. The puzzle boards have “2012 Small World Toys” on the bottom right. There are small pegs on the boards which can loosen and separate from the boards, posing a choking hazard to small children. Please throw the puzzles away and contact Small World Toys for a replacement by calling  800-421-4153 or via e-mail.

Japanese Carmakers Recall 3.4 Million Vehicles Due to Passenger-Side Airbag Defect

Four Japanese carmakers, Nissan, Toyota, Mazda, and Honda, are recalling 3.4 million cars because of a defect with their passenger-side airbags. The recall covers some of the top-selling Japanese cars, including Toyota’s Camry and Corolla, and rivals like the Nissan Maxima and Honda Civic. The recalled vehicles were made between 2001 and 2004.

All of the affected airbags were manufactured by Takata Corp, the second largest provider of airbags and seatbelts. Airbags may not inflate correctly, because of a defect in the propellant which inflates the airbags. If this happens, the inflator could catch fire or rupture if an accident occurs. Passengers could be injured by metal fragments shooting up toward the windshield or down into the passenger footwell.

Couragia A/T Tires Recalled Due to Tread Chunking Risk

Federal Corporation is recalling over 8,500 Couragia A/T tires, size P265/75R16 116S, because of the risk of tread shoulder chunking in excessive heat. This can lead to tire failure and an increased risk of a crash. Owners will be notified and will have their tires replaced.

Manchester Tank & Equipment Company Recalls Propane Cylinders Due to Fire Hazard

These cylinders are being recalled because fuel can leak from the thread connection between the cylinder and valve, posing a fire hazard when they are near an ignition source. They were manufactured between January and September 2012. Check the manufacture date, which is printed on the collar by month and year, In addition to the date, the name Manchester and the water capacity “WC238#” are also pressed into the collar. Call Manchester to receive instructions on how to get your gas cylinder inspected by a qualified dealer and repaired if needed.

FDA Labels Recall of Cutting Guides Used in Knee Replacement Surgery as Class 1 Recall

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have classified a voluntary recall of ShapeMatch Cutting Guides, which are produced by Stryker Orthopaedics, as a Class I recall. This means use of the recalled product could cause serious injury or death. The guides are a surgical instruments used to assist doctors in the positioning of total knee replacement components during surgery.

Patients who believe the cutting guides were used in their knee replacement surgery, and who feel their knee may not be functioning properly, should contact their surgeon immediately or call Stryker at 1-888-STRYKER Monday – Friday between the hours of 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Possible Headliner Deatachement Leads to Recall of Nearly 200,000 Hyundai Elantras

Hyundai Motor Company is recalling certain 2011-2013 Elantras manufactured from November 12, 2010, through March 5, 2013. A support bracket attached to the headliner may become displaced during a side curtain airbag deployment. If the bracket comes into contact with someone inside the vehicle, it could cause a laceration injury. Hyundai will notify owners of the recalled vehicles, and dealers will apply adhesive strips to the headliner to fix the problem. A remedy is expected to be available in May 2013. If you believe your vehicle is included in the recall, please call Hyundai at 1-800-633-5151 and reference recall campaign number 109.

Steering Wheel May Detach in 2013 Buick Encore

General Motors is recalling some 2013 Buick Encore vehicles manufactured between December 9, 2012, and December 28, 2012, which are equipped with a heated steering wheel. The steering wheel fastener may not have been properly installed and could come loose or separate from the steering column. If the steering wheel separates, the driver would not be able to steer the car. The safety recall is expected to begin by April 12, 2013. Owners will be notified if their vehicle is affected, or can call General Motors at 1-800-521-7300 to schedule a repair to their vehicle. Please reference campaign number 13098 if you call.

Subaru Recalling Some 2005—2008 Outback and Legacy Vehicles Due To Brake Line Defect

Subaru is recalling certain model year 2005—2009 Outback and Legacy vehicles manufactured from December 2003, through April 2009 and currently, or formerly, registered in Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, Wisconsin and the District of Columbia. Saltwater could splash on the brake lines through a gap in the fuel tank protector, resulting in excessive corrosion of the brake lines. This can lead to longer distances being needed to slow or stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash. Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the vehicles. If no brake fluid seepage is observed, the affected area will be rustproofed with anti-corrosion wax. If brake fluid seepage is observed, the brake lines will be replaced followed by rustproofing with anti-corrosion wax. Owners may contact Subaru at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru’s recall campaign number is WQG-43.

Ford Recalling Selected 2012, 2013 Vehicles Due To Possible Fuel Tank Leak

Ford is recalling some 2012 Taurus and Lincoln MKS, as well as select 2013 Explorers that were made between July 19, 2011, through March 15, 2012. In the affected vehicles, the fuel tanks may have a marginally sealed seam in the side of the tank. As such the fuel tanks may leak, and may not provide the expected strength upon impact. Contact Ford at 1-866-436-7332.

Battery Short Could Lead to Electrical Fire in 2013 Dodge Challengers

Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2013 Dodge Challenger vehicles manufactured from December 3, 2012, through January 24, 2013, and equipped with a V6 engine. The battery positive cable at the starter motor may experience an electrical short circuit to ground, causing a vehicle fire. Drivers are urged to stop driving the car immediately and contact Chrysler at 1-800-247-9753. Click here for more information.

iCandy World Strollers Recalled Due to Strangulation Hazard

The opening between the bumper bar and seat bottom of the stroller can allow an infant’s body to pass through and become entrapped at the neck, posing a strangulation hazard to young children when a child is not harnessed. This recall includes the iCandy Cherry stroller only in the colors Fudge (light-medium brown) and Liquorice (red and black). Consumers should immediately remove the bumper bar from the strollers and contact iCandy America Inc. to receive a free replacement bumper bar. They can continue to use the strollers once the defective bar has been removed. Click here to learn more.

BabyHome USA High Chairs Pose Strangulation Risk

The front opening between the tray and seat bottom of the high chair can allow a child’s body to pass through and become entrapped at the neck. This poses a strangulation hazard to young children when the child is not harnessed. This recall includes Eat model high chairs in red, black, green, purple, navy, orange, and brown. The model number BH2104 is located on a label on the back of the high chair. Consumers should stop using the high chairs immediately and contact BabyHome USA to receive a free crotch restraint repair kit. Click here to learn more.

Honda Recalls 2005, 2006 Pilot SUVs due to Brake Hazard

Honda is recalling over 180,000 2005 and 2006 Pilot SUVs. An electrical capacitor may have been damaged during the manufacturing of the Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) control module. If the driver applies the brakes while the VSA is malfunctioning, the vehicle may come to an abrupt stop, increasing the risk for a crash. Additionally, due to a loose ground connection, certain model year 2005 Pilots have a VSA system that may apply partial brake force, without the illumination of the brake lights, whether or not the driver is using the brakes. Click here to find out if your vehicle is affected.

Seatbelt Flaw Leads to Recall of 2007-13 Toyota FJ Cruisers

Toyota is recalling some FJ Cruiser SUVs made between 2007 and 2013 because of a possible flaw with how seat belts were installed in the vehicles. Because of a problem with the rear door panels, seat belt retractors in these vehicles could detach during a crash if the rear doors are forcefully closed repeatedly over a long period. Toyota has not yet announced how the flaw will be fixed but will begin the recall as soon as a solution is reached. Owners are urged to call Toyota directly at 800-331-4331.

Mundo Cargo Bikes Recalled Due to Injury Hazard

The Consumer Product Safety Commission recalled about 1,000 cargo bikes by Yuba Bicycles due to an issue with the rear wheel. The company said that while in use, riders can get their feet caught in the back wheel, posing severe injury risks. There have been two reports of people getting their feet caught, but no injuries were sustained. Learn more here.

FDA Warns Z-Pak Antibiotics Pose Heart Risk For Some Patients

Azithromycin, a popular antibiotic used to treat common infections may carry potentially fatal heart risks, according to a new warning from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. The drug is sold under the names Zithromax or Zmax and is more commonly known as Z-Pak capsules. The FDA is warning patients that Z-Paks can interfere with the heart’s electrical activity, particularly with people who have known risk factors, such as existing QT interval prolongation, low blood levels of potassium or magnesium, a slower than normal heart rate, or use of certain drugs used to treat abnormal heart rhythms, or arrhythmias. The drug’s warning label is being updated to note this risk If you have questions about the medications you are taking, please consult with your doctor first. Read the FDA’s warning here.

FDA recalls J&J’s orthopedic device because of fracture potential

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration on Friday said it has notified healthcare professionals of a Class I recall, the most serious type, of an orthopedic device made by Johnson & Johnson. The device, called LPS Diaphyseal Sleeve, is used in reconstructive knee surgery. It was recalled because of the potential for fractures, the FDA said. Learn more here.

Airbag Deployment Defect Leads to Recall of 887,000 Toyota Vehicles

Toyota has issued a recall for over 887,000 model year 2003-2004 Corolla and Corolla Matrix vehicles and 2003-2004 Pontiac Vibe vehicles. The supplemental restraint system (SRS) circuits on the affected vehicles may short, damaging the circuits and resulting in an inadvertent deployment of the front airbags and/or seat belt pretensioners. This could increase the risk of injury and possibility of a vehicle crash. Learn more here.

Over 267,000 Lexus Vehicles Recalled for Possible Wiper Defect

Toyota is recalling certain model years 2006—012 Lexus IS250, IS250C, IS350, IS350C, and IS-F vehicles due to insufficient torque on the nuts that fasten the wiper arms. If the wiper arms are restricted by build-up of snow or other external loads, one or both of the wipers may not operate. This could reduce driver visibility, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash. Learn more here.

GM Issues Recall on Model Year 2013 Chevrolet Malibu Vehicles

General Motors is recalling certain model year 2013 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles because one or more rear suspension bolts may not have been tightened to the specified torque. This may lead to sudden changes in vehicle handling while driving, which could increase the risk of a crash. 8,519 vehicles are affected. Learn more here.

Potential Airbag Deployment Failure Leads to GM Recall of Buicks, Chevrolets

General Motors is recalling certain model year 2012 Chevrolet Camaro, Buick Verano, Chevrolet Cruze, and Chevrolet Sonic vehicles. The driver-side front airbag on these vehicles has a shorting bar that may on occasion contact the airbag terminals. If the bar and terminals are contacting each other during a crash when the airbag is needed, it will not deploy, increasing the driver’s risk of injury. 3,896 vehicles are affected by the recall. Learn more here.

Over 100,000 Magnet Puzzle Sets Recalled For Ingestion Risk

SCS Direct has recalled 106,000 Magnet Balls Manipulative Magnet Sets, sold exclusively on Amazon.com. If two or more of the small, high-powered magnets are swallowed, they can link together inside a child’s intestines and clamp onto body tissues. This can cause intestinal obstructions, sepsis, and even death. Internal injury from the magnets can pose serious lifelong health effects. To date, the CPSC has received 79 cases of ingestion requiring medical intervention. Learn more here.

Chrysler Recalls 744,800+ Liberty and Grand Cherokees for Faulty Airbags

Chrysler is recalling more than 744,800 model year 2002 and 2003 Jeep Liberty vehicles and 2002 through 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles in the U.S., due to a potential airbag malfunction. A component in the airbag control module may fail causing the front airbags, side curtain airbags, and/or seatbelt pretensioners to deploy inadvertently while the vehicle is being operated. Inadvertent deployment of the airbags may increase the risk of injury and the possibility of a vehicle crash. Learn more here.

FDA Announces Recall of Ethicon Endo-Surgery Circular Stapler Sets

The Federal Drug Administration notified healthcare professionals of a Class I Recall of Ethicon endo-surgery circular stapler sets because of the difficulty users have firing the stapler devices, resulting in incomplete firing stroke and incomplete staple formation. Failure to complete the firing stroke of the stapler can result in severe pain, sphincter dysfunction, rectal wall damage, sepsis, and other serious complications.

BMW’s Comfort Access Options Leads to Two Recalls

BMW is recalling 7,485 model year 2005—2007 7-Series vehicles, equipped with both Comfort Access and Soft Close Automatic options. Due to a software problem, the doors may appear to be closed and latched, but, in fact, may inadvertently open. The door may unexpectedly open due to road or driving conditions or occupant contact with the door. The sudden opening may result in occupant ejection or increase the risk of injury in the event of a crash. Learn more here. In a separate recall involving the same Comfort Access system, BMW issued a recall for 45,500 model year 2005—2008 7-Series vehicles. The affected vehicles have an electronic key and an electronic connection between the gear shifter and the transmission that automatically shifts the transmission to Park when the driver presses the Start/Stop button to shut down the engine. If the driver presses the engine Start/Stop button 2 or 3 times within a short time interval, the system may shift the transmission to Neutral rather than Park. If the driver exits the vehicle with the transmission in Neutral and the parking brake is not applied, the vehicle may roll away possibly resulting in a crash or cause injury to pedestrians. Read more here.